Headrest positioning, why it matters.

Headrest positioning, why it matters.

The NHSTA reports that whiplash is a common result from rear end collisions.  A few simple steps can help lower your risk of injury.

Position your seat appropriately.

Your seat should be positioned at an angle of fewer than 20 degrees.  Sitting in this position will help your body to stay seated in the event of a rear-end collision.

 Check the height of your head restraint. 

The top of your head restraint should not be lower than the top of your head.  You can check this by using your hand to make sure that your head and the restraint are at the correct heights.

Make sure your head restraint is close enough.

The proper position for your restraint is about 2 inches from the back of your head.  The closer your head restraint is to your head, the less distance your head will travel, thus causing less injury in the event of a rear-end collision.

At NHSA, our goal is to provide online driver education courses that equip all drivers with what they need to be safe drivers.  Whether you are a teen seeking a learner’s permit, or an adult driver seeking a basic driver safety course, check us out online to see what courses are available in your state!